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1CP2-P-6.5 Copper fibre and broadband

Part 5 of 8 · 1CP2-P-6 · Networks

The transmission media worksheet, comparing copper and fibre by the signal each one carries.

Students will:

  • explain how data travels along copper and along fibre
  • compare the two media for a long high-capacity link
  • choose a medium for an environment with electrical interference
  • explain how a fibre final section improves a broadband connection
  • select a medium from the requirements of a scenario

Inside: 6 explanation cells, 4 multiple-choice questions, 1 fill-in-the-blanks cell and 4 written answers. 18 marks, about 45 minutes.

Series: 1CP2-P-6 · Networks, part 5 of 8.

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 15 cells
  • About 45 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 17 Aug 2026

Preview

The whole resource, exactly as a class sees it. Answers and marking are held back.

Copper, fibre and broadband

A wired network carries signals through a physical cable. This worksheet explains how copper and fibre-optic cables transmit data, compares their performance and connects the media to high-speed broadband delivery.

1. Identify the signal

Transmission mediaData needs a transmission mediumcopperelectrical signalslower cost, affected by interferencefibre opticpulses of lighthigh bandwidth, long distancewirelesselectromagnetic wavesmobility, range and interference limits

Copper cable carries changing electrical signals. Fibre-optic cable carries pulses of light through thin fibres. Both encode binary data, but their different signals and materials affect bandwidth, distance, interference, cost and installation.

Fill in the blanks3 marks
Copper cable carries gap 1 signals. Fibre-optic cable carries pulses of gap 2. Fibre is not affected by gap 3 interference in the same way as copper.
  • electrical
  • electromagnetic
  • light
  • radio
  • storage
Multiple choice1 mark

Which description correctly explains fibre-optic transmission?

  • AData is stored permanently in the cable.
  • BElectrical current is broadcast through open air.
  • CFiles are converted into paper signals.
  • DData is carried as pulses of light through fibres.

2. Compare using relevant criteria

Fibre commonly supports higher bandwidth over longer distances and resists electromagnetic interference. It can cost more and require specialist installation or repair. Copper is often cheaper and easier to install for shorter local links, but its performance falls over distance and it is more affected by electromagnetic interference.

These are comparative tendencies, not guarantees. Always apply the stated requirements and available infrastructure.

Written answer4 marks

Compare copper and fibre-optic cable for a long, high-capacity link between two buildings.

Give two paired differences and a justified conclusion.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

A cable must run beside machinery that produces electromagnetic interference. Which medium is normally more suitable?

  • Afibre optic, because light transmission resists electromagnetic interference
  • Bcopper, because it carries electrical signals
  • CNFC, because it covers a whole building
  • DRFID, because it is always wired

3. Deliver broadband

Broadband is a high-speed connection that can be delivered using different infrastructure. Fibre may run all the way to premises or only to a street cabinet, with an existing copper link completing the route. Cable networks and mobile/wireless systems can also provide broadband.

Therefore, 'broadband' describes the service capability rather than one single cable type.

Multiple choice1 mark

A broadband connection uses fibre to a street cabinet and copper from the cabinet to a home. Which statement is accurate?

  • AThe whole route is fibre optic.
  • BThe whole route is wireless.
  • CIt is a mixed-media connection with a copper final section.
  • DIt cannot carry digital data.
Written answer2 marks

Explain why replacing a long copper final section with fibre could improve a broadband connection.

Link the medium to bandwidth, distance or interference.

Students type their answer here.

4. Select by need

Typical examples help reasoning: copper Ethernet can connect nearby classroom devices; fibre can form a school backbone or long building-to-building link. The correct choice depends on capacity, distance, interference, cost, existing installation and whether devices need to move.

Written answer3 marks

A temporary computer room needs 20 reliable wired connections over short distances and has a limited installation budget. Recommend copper or fibre and justify your choice with one limitation.

Use the scenario rather than claiming one medium is universally best.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer2 marks

Describe how data is transmitted along copper cable and fibre-optic cable.

Name the signal used by each medium.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which statement is accurate?

  • ABroadband always means fibre reaches every device.
  • BFibre often suits high-bandwidth long-distance links, while copper may suit lower-cost short links.
  • CCopper and fibre use identical physical signals.
  • DCopper cannot carry network data.

Route forward

You can explain copper and fibre transmission and make a scenario-based choice. Next you will compare wireless technologies and decide when wired, wireless or mixed connectivity is appropriate.